The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art Object

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

The inventive talents of David Roentgen are evident in this exceptionally refined desk. The monogram "DR" inlaid beneath the keyhole on the lower drawer indicates the cabinetmaker's satisfaction with one of his most mechanically ingenuous creations: a single key inserted at different depths unlocks the center drawer, releases the rolltop, or releases the hidden side drawers; if a button is pressed on the underside of these drawers, each swings aside to reveal three other drawers. Above the rolltop, the rectangular structure consists of a single wide drawer. The artist's creativity is evident in the chinoiserie marquetry scenes, created by using minute pieces of naturally colored exotic woods that have a painterly effect.

See Collections to learn more about this desk.

This desk is featured in the exhibition Extravagant Inventions: The Princely Furniture of the Roentgens (on view October 30, 2012–January 27, 2013).

David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock
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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16956 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3033 views

Hot water jug

James Wyatt (British, Weeford, Stafforshire 1746–1813 near Markborough, Wiltshire)

Maker:: Matthew Boulton (British, Birmingham 1728–1809 Birmingham)
Maker:: John Fothergill (died 1782)
Date:: 1775–76
Culture:: British, Birmingham
Medium:: Silver
Dimensions:: H. 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm.)
Classification:: Metalwork
Credit Line:: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Volunteer Anniversary Fund, 1993
Accession Number:: 1993.73

This artwork is not on display

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Inscription: Engraved on front: initials THB (in monogram),

Marking: [1] leopard passant guardant; [2] anchor, Birmingham assay office mark; [3] C, date letter for Birmingham, 1775-76; [4] IF, makers' mark for John Fothergill; [5] MB, maker's mark for Matthew Boulton; Location of marks: [1]-[5] on cover and on foot
See also
Who
James Wyatt (90)

Matthew Boulton (27)

John Fothergill (2)
What
Metal (59,619)

Vessels (21,925)

Metalwork (14,693)

Silver (14,061)

Jugs (1,686)
Where
Europe (150,115)

United Kingdom (25,745)

England (9,106)

West Midlands (736)

Birmingham (252)
When
A.D. 1600-1800 (66,675)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,264)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
English Silver, 1600–1800

Great Britain and Ireland, 1600–1800 A.D.

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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Hot water jug

James Wyatt (British, Weeford, Stafforshire 1746–1813 near Markborough, Wiltshire)

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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Related Content

Hot water jug

James Wyatt (British, Weeford, Stafforshire 1746–1813 near Markborough, Wiltshire)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store